Illinois Boating Laws and Boat Course Requirements

The Illinois Boating Safety Education Certificate (commonly known as the Illinois boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety course.

A Boating Safety Education Certificate issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources must be carried on board the vessel by all persons required to have passed a state-approved boating safety education course.

Who Needs an Illinois Boating Safety Education Certificate?

Persons under the age of 10 may not operate any motorized vessel, including personal watercraft.
Persons at least 10 years old but less than 12 years old may operate a motorized vessel, including a personal watercraft, only if they are accompanied by and under the direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.
Persons at least 12 years old but less than 18 years old may operate a motorized vessel, including a personal watercraft, only if they complete a boating safety course and possess a boating safety education card accepted by the Department of Natural Resources or they are accompanied by and under the direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.
Persons 18 years old or older are not subject to operator age restrictions.

Even if not required by law to get the Illinois boating license, many boaters take the boat safety course in order to save on their PWC or boat insurance. Do your part to make boating in Illinois a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the my.Boat-ed.com Illinois course and practice what you learn.

How do I learn about the legal requirements of boating in Illinois?

Laws and regulations concerning operating a personal watercraft or vessel, required equipment, vessel registration and much more can be found in Unit 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating of the online course.

How do I take a safe boating exam and get my boater education card?

You can study over the Internet using the online boating safety course. Once you have completed the course online and passed each unit quiz and the Final Exam, you may print a course completion certificate from your computer. The certificate will serve as your temporary operating permit until you are mailed a boater safety education card from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

You're at the right place, because the my.Boat-ed.com Illinois online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. All the required safe boating course material to get your boater education certificate is available online.

Where can I get more information about the Illinois boater education card?

Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Illinois boater's license;
Contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources;
Contact Boat Ed, and we'll be glad to answer any of your questions about the Illinois boater's license or boating license requirements in other states.